Although an online slot machine game, Video Poker is different as you can affect the odds by the way you play and if you play correctly winning at video poker is easy.

There are 4 cardinal rules to follow to end up winning at video poker longer term.

The Game basics

The game of video poker is essentially simple, and is based on the well-known poker rules. However in Video Poker you are playing against the machine only and not other players.

As in real poker, the Video Poker Slot will deal five cards on the screen. You can keep the 5 cards or ask for 5 new ones.

To keep the cards you want you just press a "hold" button under the card in question. At this point, you then press the "play" button and play begins, with replacement of some or all the cards you did not wish to keep.

As this is the final hand, it is simple to see who won, you or the machine.

So the secrets of winning at video poker are built around the choices you can make.

4 tips to win at Video poker

The four choices you have to make are here.

1. Put the Odds in your favor before you begin.

Although a slot game, Video poker is still based upon the classic 52 card deck and thus there are mathematically 2,598,960 possible combinations.

Also, as Video Poker is also a computer program it will simulate (as much as possible) the actual probabilities of playing real poker.

As the casino understands the fixed possibilities, they adjust the payout tables, and always to the house's advantage, but it varies and with strategy you can gain an edge.

Generally, the payouts on most of the Video Poker machines will be the same, except for the "big" hands; the flush, full house or royal flush..

So, the first way to win at video poker is to play the highest paying machines. The odds here are more in your favor.

As a good example, on a Jacks-or Better machine, see the comparison for payout with strategy.

9 for a full house 6 for a flush 99.5%

8 for a full house 5 for a flush 97.4%

7 for a full house 5 for a flush 96.3% etc

For your knowledge a "9 / 6 machine shows royal flush about once every 40,000 hands, while the "8 / 5" one are about every 45,000 hands.

Find the machine with the best payout and this will greatly enhance your chances of winning at video poker.

2. Always Play Maximum Coins!

Betting five coins gives all winning hands a paid out by the factor of five; except for the royal flush. This is a kind of "bait" to entice you to play five coins.

The secret here is that if a player plays less than maximum coins they will never win a Royal Flush and never end up longer term winning at video poker

3. Play a Long Time. There are no Short-Term Results

The mathematics is simple.

On the 9 / 6 machine the odds are 1:40,000 of hitting a Royal Flush.

This is no less than the equivalent of about 100 hours of play.

The secret here is that you must hit a Royal Flush at Video Poker to win at video poker.

So you must be ready to play for the long run, short term results can vary so don't get frustrated, its increasing your bankroll longer term your interested in.

If you are winning some good hands along the way, you will only add to your stake.

4. You can't win at Video Poker by casual play!

Patience and perseverance is required. Staying power however means you can win at video poker in the end, if you play correctly with strategy.

The strategies to win at video poker vary from game to game but there are pre printed cards on the net for you to use before the strategy is committed to memory.

No Haphazard Play Use Strategy Only.

The only way to increase your chances of winning at Video Poker is to

1. Play with strategy.

2. Be patent and be prepared to play for a long time

3. Play maximum coins on high paying machines only

4. ConcentrateDon't hurry your play the machine is no hurry so make sure you take your time and don't make errors

Winning at Video poker is easy when you know how!

Winning at Video poker slots is easy; it's the only slot game where you can get an edge. Another advantage is the fact that games are fun and offer an exciting visual experience.

Follow the tips above and you can win at video poker and have a lot of fun along the waygood luck!